The ODM gathering at Jacaranda Grounds marked the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death.
Suspected intruders stormed the main dais during the Nairobi gathering, disrupting an event commemorating Raila Odinga.
ODM rally chaos forced party leaders and supporters to flee Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31. Suspected intruders stormed the main dais during a gathering marking the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death.
The trouble reportedly began when some aspirants tried to reach the dais with their security personnel, triggering confrontations. Unfamiliar people then reportedly reached the stage and seized the microphone while party leaders introduced themselves.
As the scuffles continued, some leaders used the public address system to urge supporters not to run. Thousands of people had turned up for the gathering.
However, those appeals failed to calm the situation. Police officers reportedly intervened, but the confrontation escalated into running battles as supporters scrambled for safety.
ODM rally chaos follows police security pledge
The disruption came a day after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud assured ODM leaders of adequate security. He said officers would patrol the route from Uhuru Park to Jacaranda Grounds.
The deployment would help maintain security and ensure participants moved in an orderly manner, Mohamud said. He also warned that security agencies would act against anyone attempting to disrupt the gathering.
Among the senior ODM officials attending the event were party chairperson Gladys Wanga and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho also attended, alongside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
